For many wine lovers, the capsule – the casing around the neck of the bottle – is part and parcel of wine. It gives a bottle that extra touch. But behind that thin layer of metal there is also a practical and topical story. What does a capsule actually do, and why do you see it disappearing more and more often?
What is a capsule?
A capsule is the protective layer over the neck of the bottle and the cork. Usually made of tin, aluminium or plastic. Originally, it had a clear function: it kept dust, dirt and insects away from the cork.
Today, that role is limited. In practice, it is mainly about presentation – how the bottle looks on the shelf or table.
In addition, there is sometimes a piece of “administration” on top. On French bottles, we regularly find a small symbol with colour and codes: the so-called CRD capsule(Capsule Représentative de Droit). This indicates that the wine has been officially released for sale in France and that excise duties have been paid.
Types of capsules
There are roughly three variants:
- Tin – classic and a little heavier. Often used in Burgundy
- Aluminium – lighter and thinner
- Plastic – simpler and cheaper
For the wine itself, it makes no difference. The capsule has no impact on flavour, maturity or quality.
Consciousness
Meursault winemaker Philippe Bouzereau recently stopped placing the capsule. In their communication towards relations, they mentioned the following:
- 1 capsule = ±5 grams of tin
- ±100,000 bottles per year = 500 kg of tin
- plus the energy and CO₂ needed for production and transport
Why capsules are disappearing
More and more producers are choosing to omit capsules altogether. The reasons:
- Less use of scarce raw materials
- Low environmental impact
- Easier recycling
The capsule has historically been a symbol of quality and finish. But with modern Burgundy products, we see a shift. There is less focus on looks and much more on durability. A bare neck is not a compromise – it is often a conscious choice by the producer. For the enthusiast, it may take some getting used to, but it does not affect the quality of the wine. What remains is for the product to stick the seal (CRD) loose on the bottle.